Free State, Bloemfontein, Rustfontein Dam
Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve is a DESTEA provincial reserve on Rustfontein Dam east of Bloemfontein. Fish carp, barbel, and yellowfish from the open shoreline or a boat.
Rustfontein Dam holds carp, barbel, yellowfish, and mudfish. The dam covers about 1 163 hectares when full at the confluence of the Kromspruit and Modder River. Bank anglers set up along the shoreline with papgooi rigs. Slipways and boathouses serve boat anglers. Confirm angling permits and boat rules with the venue before you visit.
The reserve lies about 50 km east of Bloemfontein on the N8 toward Thaba Nchu. Dry grassveld and sweet thorn ridges surround the 6 243 hectare reserve. Game such as black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, and zebra roam the veld. Fish eagle and waterfowl are common on the dam. Braai and ablution blocks sit along the shoreline. Slipways and boathouses are available for boaters. Twenty kilometres of tourist roads allow game viewing. No shop is on site. Bring your own food and braai wood. Gate hours are 07:30 to 19:00. The office is open 07:30 to 16:00. Day visitors and anglers are welcome. Entry, angling, and boating fees apply. Confirm the price with the venue before you book. Last updated at: 17 September 2026.
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Accommodation
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Operating hours
Gate 07:30 to 19:00. Office 07:30 to 16:00.
Other locations on DaarByt nearby. Book online or request a booking.
Tom's Place
Tom's Place is a resort on Tierpoort Dam south of Bloemfontein off the N1. Self-catering chalets, fisherman's cottages and camping sit on the dam bank. Day visitors can fish here too.
Awimaweh
Awimaweh sits on Armenia Dam near Tweespruit in the Free State. Stay in a fishermen's rondavel on the water or a self catering chalet and fish carp, yellowfish and barbel from the dam bank.
Knellpoort Dam
Knellpoort Dam is a public off-channel storage dam on the Riet Spruit near Wepener in the Free State. The basin holds carp, barbel, yellowfish, and bass. Much of the shore is open grassland with rocky ridges.
